Varied career of master potter

04 October 2006

Dave Sturgess's experiences have taken him from the laboratory to the classroom, potter to foster parent and from the small screen to composer of a national children's musical.

The East Harling grandfather also renovates properties and helps restore people's lives as a counsellor.

His varied pathway has made him fearless of change and eager to seize opportunities despite past illness and disappointments.

“In the last 15 years I've realised how much the even negative experiences are character building because nothing is wasted. They are stepping stones to the future because positive things have always come from difficult situations,” said Dave, 54, of Gallants Lane.

After leaving school at 15 and becoming a laboratory technician, education beckoned again. He studied A-levels and later, as a father-of-two aged 32, he took a full-time university course to become a teacher.

However, teaching eight-year-olds for four years took its toll. He was forced to leave on medical advice. His route back to health was helped with counselling, which also started a new job role alongside teaching adult literacy courses.

Today he continues to bring a listening ear to people's problems as a counsellor with Thetford's Pregnancy Crisis Centre, Reflections, at Riversdale and the 4C's in Wymondham.

In Thetford Dave counsels men suffering guilt, despair and shame for the part they have played in an abortion. Clients also learn to deal with depressive partners or wives who have undergone abortions.

Dave's creativity began as clay therapy and eventually attracted Anglia TV's film crew. His unique oil burners hidden within traditional Norfolk and Suffolk model houses made on the kitchen table have been seen by thousands of viewers. Nowadays he takes his skills into the classroom to help children with school projects. And he has written Green Christmas, a musical for youngsters.

The grit to succeed was marked when he bought his first home in north Norfolk in the 1970s. It cost just £3,000 but his evolving skill and craftsmanship helped turn a traditional cottage into a home for Dave and his wife.

His expertise grew when he renovated their present home - a traditional clay lump barn. He inserted lintels and windows, a reclaimed granary floor.

The work has helped qualify him to take on commercial projects that are transformed with loving care.

Dave's steep learning life curve has taken the heartache out of living. “If I felt it was right to

put my house on the market tomorrow and move across the world I would have no fear.”